Can you still download printer drivers that are NOT AirPrint drivers for OfficeJet Pro 9025e?

[djw15]

I am unable to print from MacOS 15 to my OfficeJet Pro 9025e because the colors on the print out are much darker than what is visible on the screen. I understand that colors viewed on a Mac are much different then the color profile the printer uses but I am not printing anything super artistic (like photos, digital art, etc.). I just need colors to print close to how they are displayed, knowing an iMac screen is going to always be more vibrant. 

One possible solution I have run across is that AirPrint might be oversimplifying the settings menu for the printer, so I am unable to change the color profile of the document before it prints. Apparently, by installing the printer with the full driver allows a user to access more functional setting options. The solution to this seems to be to remove the printer, download the full driver, and then reinstall using the downloaded drivers rather than letting auto-select pick the AirPrint version of the driver. 

Based on HP's website, it does not look like this is an option and that the only way to set up this printer is to download HP Smart and add it through Wi-Fi, which seems to default it to AirPrint.

So, my question is...is there any way to set up the OfficeJet Pro 9025 without AirPrint so I have access to the full setting options, and therefore, the color profile selector? 

Also...if anyone can explain to me any other solutions to the print color problem that doesn't involve purchasing color-calibration apps or additional profiles, I'm all ears. At this point, I feel like this printer is bricked and I'm not going to sink any more money into trying to help it along. I'm almost ready to switch brands...unless someone can help me out. 

I appreciate any input!

[zoey7886]

@djw15, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Printer Drivers for OfficeJet Pro 9025e! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Yes, you can still download printer drivers that are NOT AirPrint drivers for the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e. To address the issue where colors on your printouts are much darker than what is visible on the screen, it is recommended to use the HP printer driver optimized for your device rather than relying solely on AirPrint.

Here are the steps you can follow to download and install the correct HP printer drivers:

Visit the HP Support Website: Go to the HP Support Page.

Locate Your Printer Model: Type "OfficeJet Pro 9025e" in the search bar and select your printer model from the search results.

Select Your Operating System: Make sure you select MacOS 15 (or whichever version of MacOS you are using) from the list of operating systems.

Download Driver: Look for the section titled "Driver-Product Installation Software" or similar. This section will offer the full-feature driver package that includes the non-AirPrint drivers.

Install Driver: Download the driver package, open the downloaded file, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer driver on your Mac.

Resolution of Color Issues

To further ensure the colors are printed closer to how they are displayed on your screen, you may want to:

• Perform Color Calibration: This can help in aligning your printer and monitor colors more closely.
• Check Printer Settings: Make sure you are using the proper print settings optimized for your type of print job (e.g., document vs. photo).
• Use Correct Paper Type: The paper type also affects the color output, so ensure you are selecting the right paper type in the print settings.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[djw15]

Hi Zoey7886,

when I follow your instructions, all I am able to see listed on the downloadable driver page is an option to download HP Smart and set up my printer using the app. I have yet to find a stand alone driver file for download. 

Any thoughts on where else I might find it?

[zoey7886]

@djw15, Thanks so much for the update—and I completely hear your frustration. You're absolutely right: for many of HP’s newer printers like the OfficeJet Pro 9025e, HP has shifted toward using HP Smart and AirPrint for most Mac installations, especially on macOS 15. Unfortunately, this means the traditional, full-featured standalone driver is no longer available for direct download on the website.

Here’s what you can try as a workaround:

Reset the printing system:
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Control + click) in the list of printers and choose Reset printing system. This clears out old configs.

Add the printer manually with a Generic PCL or HP driver:
After the reset, click the + button to add a printer, but instead of choosing the AirPrint default, click Use: > Select Software... and try to select either:

HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 Series (if it appears),

HP Jetdirect – Socket (for advanced users),

Or choose Generic PCL if you're mostly printing documents with simple colors.

Try installing HP Easy Admin for enterprise environments
You can download HP Easy Admin from HP’s site — this tool sometimes lets you install additional drivers that don’t show up in HP Smart.

Last resort: Try installing the printer via USB instead of Wi-Fi. Sometimes macOS will assign a different, non-AirPrint driver when connected directly.

I know it’s frustrating to feel boxed in by limited settings, especially when you're just trying to print colors that look normal. No bells or whistles—just legible, balanced prints.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,